5 Tips for Teen Consecration and Prayer At The Start Of The Year

Psalm 71:5
For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to empower your youth group teens to reset, refocus and seek God's voice on what He wants to accomplish in their lives over the course of the next twelve months. Plan a dedicated time of prayer and consecration that is specific to them, emphasizing the importance of putting God first! When we teach them the principles of consecration now, we instill in them a practice they will use for years after their youth group days are long gone. Check out my five tips for organizing a teen prayer and consecration time and let me know your thoughts! Plus, for a great resource on the value of consecration, I encourage you to read 'A How-To Guide To Prayer and Consecration' by Dr. Paula Price. A great read and must have on the subject.

1. Set a specified beginning and end date and map out attainable goals. Plan a "kickoff" service or meeting to initiate the consecration and an equally celebratory conclusion. Teach, inform and educate them on the importance of consecration and prayer and its benefits. Make your goals for this time specific and relevant to where they are. Where do they want to be in their walk with God by the summertime? How do they plan to get there? What answers do they need from God for this season of their lives? What is the Lord requiring of them? Encourage Q&A and empower them to keep track of how the Lord answers during this time.
2. Create a consecration take-home that will give them scriptures, example prayers and a place to note their personal consecration goals. You can never go wrong by going 'tech' either. Utilize the social media outlet most popular with your group and create a way for them to keep up with each other's progress online, share testimonies and breakthroughs and post their consecration prayer requests.
3. Empower students from among the youth to take the lead. In my children's ministry, the most impactful examples were the child leaders themselves. I appointed junior ushers, worship leaders, prayer captains, etc. Find ways to involve your most committed youth to inspire the other teens to get involved, stay dedicated and keep accountable during the time period you set.
4. Involve the parents! When what you are teaching in service is reinforced at home, miracles happen. Draft a personal note to the parents explaining the consecration and your goals for the group as a whole. Encourage each parent or guardian to pray with their teens throughout the consecration time and give them ways to help their teens follow through and finish strong.
5. Lead by example. Youth leaders, pray and consecrate with your teens. This is the last tip but the most important! Become a part of this process with them, demonstrate and be vocal with them about what God is doing in your life as a result. YOU are one of their biggest motivators.

My Top 10 Teen Consecration Scripture Go-To's
Matthew 6:33
Deut. 4:29-31
Leviticus 20:7
Jeremiah 29:11-13
2 Chronicles 7:14
John 6:35
Joel 2:12-15
Psalm 119
Philippians 4:8
Daniel 1:8-21